The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) recently accredited Asenso Manileño as one of the 14 local parties recognized as a dominant majority for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
This was hailed by the party, led by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, who serves as its president.
“We are overjoyed and proud to once again be accredited by the Commission on Elections. The continued strength of Asenso Manileño as the ruling local political party in Manila is a testament to our collective commitment to community-oriented, genuine public service,” Lacuna-Pangan said in a statement.
The mayor affirmed that Asenso Manileño stands firm in its principles, stating that the party’s dedication lies in representing its constituents.
“We believe in public service that is inclusive, transparent, and accountable—prioritizing real solutions over political drama or ‘pakulo,’” she continued.
She also made it clear that her administration is guided by the people’s mandate, not by personal ambition.
“What we uphold in our leadership are values of good governance, honesty, and fairness, ensuring that every program and project benefits the Manileños directly.”
“We are not puppets of a has-been celebrity or a political cult. All Asenso Manileño candidates are servants of the people. Our commitment is clear: Serbisyong diretso sa tao—Tapat at Totoo!” she declared.
The Comelec also declared the Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), led by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, as the dominant majority party for the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).
In August 2024 Lacuna-Pangan was sworn into Lakas-CMD by Romualdez himself.
During the simple ceremony, Lacuna-Pangan was joined by Manila’s five congressmen—Rep. Joel R. Chua, Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., Rep. Rolando Valeriano, Rep. Irwin Tieng, and Rep. Edward Maceda—along with Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo and Asenso Manileño councilors.
The local chief executive explained her decision to join Lakas, stating, “Its party principles and platform align with my own, and I believe it will ultimately be most beneficial for all Manileños.”
Romualdez, for his part, welcomed Lacuna to Lakas-CMD, expressing his confidence that she would significantly contribute to the party’s objectives and the vision of the Marcos administration.
“We are honored to have Mayor Lacuna in our fold,” he said.
“Her leadership, experience, and commitment to her constituents will strengthen our collective efforts in supporting the Agenda for Prosperity of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his vision for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas.’”
Mayor Lacuna-Pangan made history in 2022 by becoming the first woman mayor of Manila, winning with a wide margin against candidates from prominent political families.
Under her leadership, Asenso Manileño made a "clean sweep," securing all major elective positions in the city, including mayor, vice mayor, congressmen, and city councilors, during the 2022 elections.